Esther can't stay here - especially not alone

"I - I can't," Esther whispers. "I'm sorry, Lise."

Annalise's face falls, but she sighs sympathetically. "Oh, very well. You must do what will make you most comfortable, of course." She stands and pulls Esther closer. "But I do want to spend more time with you, and soon!" She gives Esther a little peck on the cheek{if BellingtonParty-Esther-Caught = True}, and whispers in her ear, "Particularly so we can talk about what you saw and how much you enjoyed watching me get fucked."{else}.{endif} Esther swallows, nods, and turns to go. As she leaves the room, ears burning, she hears Annalise say to Percy, "Well, do what you must so we can get back to the reception. Do you need me to hold her still for you?" The sound of gagging seems to get louder as Esther closes the door and silently retreats into the parlor and the rest of society. It's hard to leave Annalise, but probably for the best...had she not, they might well have been found out.

Elsewhere in the parlor, Rebecca finds herself alone for a few minutes. Things seem to be winding down - a few families have departed already. So far, she's found it a very boring, and rather uneventful, afternoon.

Then she smiles. Mr. Twilwell and that friend of his - Mr. Vickery - are still standing in one corner, talking animatedly. What's better is that none of the young women at the party are hanging around them, for once. She wends her way slowly across the room toward them.

"I continue to think that you're both mad and unlikely to find a warm reception for your ideas, Vickery!" Twilwell is exclaiming as she approaches. He seems to be talking a bit more loudly than usual - has he been drinking? Not too much, if so. When he sees Rebecca, he smiles{if Twilwell-Rebecca > 0} warmly{endif}. "Ah, Miss Foxhaven! Do join us. We were just having a philosophical debate."

"Mr. Twilwell. Mr. Vickery," Rebecca says politely, giving each of them a nod. She tilts her head as she takes in Mr. Vickery. "I did not know you were a member of our parish, sir."

"I of course am not. I merely wished to accompany my good friend here, and ensure that he was well," Vickery comments curtly.

"Yes yes, but don't get away from our argument, Vickery!" Twilwell exclaims. Clearly he's become a bit hyper-focused.

Rebecca chuckles. "What was the nature of this dispute, sir?"

"It was upon the nature and virtues of women!" Mr. Twilwell exclaims. "So you offer perhaps an entirely new perspective. I was stating my opinion that a woman's virtues depend on the man who is interested in her - that different men are never going to agree on what qualities it is most important for a woman to have, as their desires will vary. Whereas Mr. Vickery here believes there is a universal prime virtue for a woman!"

Rebecca raises an eyebrow. "Indeed, sir? And you've discovered what that is?" she asks Vickery, a bit tartly.

"I cannot claim any special knowledge of women, Miss Foxhaven," Mr. Vickery replies dryly. "My observation was based entirely on anecdote, acquaintance, and the writings of wiser philosophers and religious thinkers."

"And what is this prime virtue, Mr. Vickery?" Rebecca asks.

"Obedience," he says simply, gazing levelly into her eyes. "Or, if you prefer, submission." Rebecca' breath hitches for a second as she meets his dark, firm gaze.

"Well, there you go!" Twilwell exclaims with a laugh. "What do you think, Miss Foxhaven? Is obedience the most important virtue for a woman to possess?"